NCJ Number
74063
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
An overview of the forms of violence in Scandinavia focuses on both traditional crimes of violence, such as rape and robbery, and on other types of violence, such as traffic offenses and occupational dangers.
Abstract
Violence by State authorities (i.e., the police and the militia) is low in Scandinavia, although increasing acts of civil disobedience and terrorism may lead to excessive use of violence by the authorities. Criminological studies have shown that violence between and within ethnic groups, especially in Sweden, is increasing. Particularly noticeable is the increased number of young immigrant offenders apprehended for violent crimes and other offenses. Scandinavian research has also shown that about 10 percent of the population report victimizations during a 2-year period; Finland has the highest victimization rate (15 percent) and Norway the lowest at 4 percent. In addition, most crimes of violence appear to be related to alcohol consumption. Statistics show that robbery, rape, and sexual assault are infrequent offenses in Scandinvia, although robberies and rapes are increasing. Motor traffic is responsible for far more violence than is any other kind of negligent human behavior, and labor accidents are of considerable concern. Finally, studies show that some part of the population has a high level of anxiety about crime, although crime rates are low. Thus, police and social welfare authorities should attempt to allay these fears by informing people of the actual risks. No references are included.